Council congratulates Goondiwindi Eisteddfod committee, with 800 entries and countless volunteer hours ensuring competition’s success

Goondiwindi Regional Council is extremely proud to have supported the 2022 Goondiwindi APEX Eisteddfod, with hundreds of entries taking part in the performing arts competition earlier this month.

Cr Phil O’Shea, who holds Council’s portfolio for Arts and Culture, has congratulated the organising committee and said countless volunteer hours were behind the success of the popular competition, which draws competitors and spectators from across the Goondiwindi Region and beyond.

“There were approximately 800 entries across all disciplines, with particularly high entry numbers in the dance sections,” Cr O’Shea said. “It was such an impressive turnout and it really goes to show the enduring popularity and importance of the competition in our region.

“I want to especially thank the huge number of volunteers, who I know put in countless hours to make the Eisteddfod the great success that it was,” he said. “It’s an enormous thing to organise and is a hugely important part of developing our young people, especially encouraging and fostering a love and respect for the performing arts - whether it be music, drama or dance.”

“I also want to thank the many teachers and parents who have supported and encouraged their children and in some circumstances travelled great distances to compete during the week,” he said.

Held at the Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre, the Goondiwindi Eisteddfod is six days of dance, speech, drama, instrumental, piano, vocal and choral competition for all ages. The competition culminates on Saturday evening with the presentation of trophies at the River Room in the Cultural Centre.

Originating as a Welsh music festival, Eisteddfods have become a part of Australian culture since the gold rushes. Annual music and arts festivals were established under the influence of Welsh miners and settlers, and Australian Eisteddfods have been offering competitions in a variety of artistic fields since 1891.

Council is proud to support the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod through its Community Grants and Donations Program.

Cr O’Shea said the Eisteddfod was a great example of a Council-supported local event that gives back to the community.

“Competitions like the Eisteddfod are invaluable for strengthening local performance skills and developing confidence,” he said. “Whether you’re in the under-6 tap dance division or the open Jazz/Blues vocal, it’s a unique opportunity to meet others in the same field and get expert feedback on your performances.

“We’re also so fortunate here in Goondiwindi to have such a great space in the Cultural Centre for events like this that can accommodate the hundreds of entries.”

“So, well done to everyone who took part - and congratulations again to the committee on another tremendous Eisteddfod competition.”

Council has funding opportunities available through its Community Donations and Community Grants programs – for more information about available funding, or to make an application, visit: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/residents/donations-grants